IP Ratings (IP65, IP67, IP68, IP69K)
An IP (Ingress Protection) rating is a two-digit code defined by IEC 60529 that specifies how well an enclosure resists dust (first digit) and water (second digit). The water digits are not a ladder: IP69K covers high-pressure, high-temperature wash-down, which an immersion rating on its own does not imply.
Every sealed vehicle light carries an IP rating. The first digit (0–6) grades dust protection; the second digit (0–9K) grades water protection. A light rated IP67 is fully dust-tight and survives temporary immersion. IP69K is a separate test rather than a higher step: it covers 80 °C high-pressure jets, the wash-down that matters on farm and construction equipment, and a lamp exposed to both needs both codes.
IP65 vs IP67 vs IP68 vs IP69K
IP65: Dust-tight, protected against low-pressure water jets. Adequate for beacons and interior-facing lamps that are never pressure-washed.
IP67: Dust-tight, withstands immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes. The working minimum for exterior machinery lighting.
IP68: Continuous immersion, but the depth and duration are agreed between manufacturer and user rather than fixed by the standard, so two IP68 claims need not describe comparable tests. The procedures specify water temperature and not salinity, so the mark carries no information about sea water; what IP68 leaves out for marine use sets out what to ask instead.
IP69K: Sealed against 80–100 bar water jets at 80 °C from all angles. The standard to specify for any machine that is pressure-washed or steam-cleaned: tractors, sprayers, refuse trucks, mining equipment.
What it means for equipment buyers
If your machines are washed down at the end of a shift, specify IP69K. An IP67 light survives rain and mud but repeated hot pressure-washing will eventually breach its seals. All Tough Lighting work lights are sealed to IP67–IP69K and tested to IEC 60529; see our heavy duty work lights for IP69K-rated units.
Shop related products
Related terms
A potted driver is a lamp’s electronic driver circuit fully encapsulated in resin (potting compound), protecting it against vibration, moisture and thermal cycling, the three killers of vehicle lamp electronics.
CISPR 25 (EMC for Vehicle Electronics)CISPR 25 is the international standard limiting electromagnetic interference (EMI) from electrical devices installed on vehicles. Emissions are graded from Class 1 to Class 5, with Class 5 the most stringent; the class is specified by the vehicle maker based on where the device is mounted. Tough Lighting lamps are built to Class 4 as standard, with Class 5 available on request.
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